Safe in Jesus

Safe in Jesus

From EDIFIED! the devotional book

“He remembers his covenant forever, the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations….”

Psalm 105:8

This morning I woke up late, have a headache and a scratchy throat, had disturbing dreams and am groggy. This is a great chance to praise you, Lord Jesus, for your unchanging, ongoing, immutable, eternal faithfulness, your consistent character and beautiful being.

My ups and downs become an impetus to praise you, Lord Jesus, as they highlight the unwavering majesty of your mighty and magnificent character. You are the perfect One, whose plans stand firm forever and whose purposes continue through all generations. You promise, you follow through, you fulfill–always.

I think of the time gaps between the giving of prophesies in the Old Testament and the fulfillment in the New: the promise given in the Garden of Eden of your coming as the Deliverer from the curse; the promises to Abraham some 2000 years before your coming; the Psalm 22 prophetic poem of David, written 1000 years before your incarnation, detailing your death on the cross long before crucifixion was known; the clear declaration in Isaiah 53 of the details of your work of salvation, written 700 years before you accomplished them. So sure was the carrying out of your plan that you are called the Lamb of God, sacrificed before the foundation of the world.

Today, as we see the increase in earthquakes, in political turmoil, in immorality, in rampant self-centeredness, in the coldness of believers—all prophesied in your Word—we remember how faithful you are in fulfilling what you promised as you carry us on towards the conclusion of history.

You are our Refuge and Strength, an ever-present Help in trouble (Ps. 46:1). You are our Shepherd and Shield (Ps. 18:1-4), leading us forward, fulfilling our needs, giving us rest, restoring our souls, protecting us from the enemy, providing peace, giving grace, manifesting mercy—all out of your faithful and sure character.

As I go into this day with a headache, I want to praise you, Lord God, for you are worthy of worship, glory, honor and obedience at all times, in all circumstances. You are to be lifted up, exalted and honored and I commit myself to do that today.

Prayer: “You are great and glorious, Lord Jesus; may my love for you today also be great, demonstrated in obedience and praise when I don’t feel like it. Amen.”